How did a bastard like him become an immortal?

Sword Maniac's residence was very simple, just a small pavilion and a straw mat by the lake not far outside the city.

"I didn't like the rest stops they arranged; they were too noisy. This place is quiet, peaceful, and comfortable."

The sword fanatic stretched his limbs with a carefree air, the black sword in his hand trembling and humming slightly, as if it too was stretching its limbs.

Li Muyun also quite liked this environment. If it weren't for all the heavy burdens weighing on him, he really wanted to take his closest relatives to the mountains and forests to live a peaceful and natural life.

"Senior brother, there are only three days left. Is it too late to cram for swordsmanship at the last minute? Besides, I think my swordsmanship is passable, right?"

Li Muyun held the Wine Immortal Sword in his hand and twirled it. He hadn't been using a sword for very long, but he had become quite skilled at it.

"Can you manage?"

Sword fanatic chuckled and grinned.

"Your swordsmanship is absolutely terrible!"

Sword Maniac suppressed his aura and his cultivation level to the peak of Foundation Establishment. His black sword hummed and flashed with black light as if a black dragon had been born. He suddenly drew his sword, took a step, and slashed!

Om-!

"Watch closely, this is swordsmanship!"

A sword beam fell into the lake, stirring up a large splash.

Both being peak Foundation Establishment stage sword strikes, Sword Maniac's sword strike is more than 30% stronger than Li Muyun's.

However, before Li Muyun could even begin to ponder why this sword strike was so powerful, the Sword Maniac moved again.

A glint of sword light seemed to flash in his dark eyes, and a sword's cry suddenly rang out in the air. The sword fanatic took another step and slashed downwards.

"This is called sword intent!"

"boom!"

The sword's edge and light surged forth, erupting with a deafening roar, instantly causing the entire lake to churn and surge wildly.

Li Muyun's eyes widened. Both sword-wielding fanatics used the same cultivation level, even the same amount of true energy, yet this time the power was far greater than the last, perhaps even double. How was this possible?

However, this is not over yet.

Sword fanatic slowly closed his eyes, then suddenly opened them the next second, a loud sword cry resounding all around, shaking the water and swaying the grass and trees!

Sword Maniac was like a sword drawn from its sheath, its sharpness fully revealed, its sword soaring into the sky, taking a step and slashing!

"This is—Kenshin!"

A sword beam flew out, instantly tearing the lake surface apart like a sheet of white rice paper, revealing the water—a profound insight!

Upon seeing this, Li Muyun was utterly shocked. The three swords, of the same realm and with the same true essence, possessed vastly different powers.

Even the long-eared immortal within Li Muyun's body couldn't help but exclaim, "The human race has produced another promising swordsman. Within three years, he will surely become a sword immortal!"

He gently wiped his black sword, sheathed it, and looked at Li Muyun, saying calmly, "Junior brother, this is the difference in swordsmanship. Martial artists cultivate swordsmanship, focusing on techniques; immortals cultivate swordsmanship, focusing on immortal arts; but I, the Sword Maniac, cultivate only the sword heart!"

This is my way of the sword!

Slowly sensing the mysteries of these three swords, Li Muyun closed his eyes and remained motionless for the duration of an incense stick burning.

Sword Maniac leaned against the pavilion pillar with considerable satisfaction, nodding slightly. The way of the sword depends on talent. His three sword strikes had already demonstrated the fundamentals to the fullest extent. How much he could learn and comprehend depended on Li Muyun's own comprehension.

The wind blows, birds sing, insects chirp...

Suddenly, Li Muyun's eyes snapped open, a faint glint of sword light flashing within them. His white robes billowed wildly as he unleashed the Drunken Immortal Sword!

......

Li Muyun stayed in the Sword Maniac's pavilion for three whole days. The Sword Maniac quickly helped him recover from his injuries. After that, he spent his days drinking and practicing swordsmanship.

The small lake is now riddled with holes, and the surrounding trees and flowers have suffered even more, mostly broken in half with clean cuts. Looking at this mess, Li Muyun scratched his head embarrassedly, "Senior Brother, I'm really sorry for making such a mess of you."

Sword Maniac waved his hand casually, "I'm leaving too. After you finish the autumn examination today, I'll search the entire imperial city again. If I still can't find any trace of those rats, I'll return to Protectorate City."

Upon hearing this, Li Muyun paused slightly, holding the wine gourd. "Senior brother, aren't you coming to Sword Pavilion with me?"

"Now that the evil spirits of the Yangshen Temple have reappeared, and the demons outside the Protectorate City are also stirring, I have a bad feeling."

After taking a swig of wine, the sword fanatic narrowed his eyes, his gaze filled with icy killing intent.

"These guys are up to no good in the shadows. Perhaps, my sword will soon be stained with blood again."

Nodding, Li Muyun knew that Jian Chi was devoted to the Tang Dynasty. Apart from the elders who were stationed there year-round, the disciples of the eight major sects were only there to train and learn. Only Jian Chi had voluntarily guarded Dao City for many years. Under his sword, the demon race was terrified and the evil spirits were terrified.

"Alright, today is the final round of the autumn examination. Go and clear your mother's name!" Sword Maniac smiled slightly and patted Li Muyun on the shoulder.

Li Muyun nodded heavily. If he could win a top-three finish this time, he could move his mother's memorial tablet out of the Tiantu Marquis's mansion and announce it to the world as a Lady of Imperial Decree.

Upon arriving at the Tian Ce training ground, Li Muyun discovered that besides himself, there were only three other people present. Moreover, neither His Highness the Crown Prince nor His Highness the Prince of Qin had come to observe the ceremony, and none of the seven major sects were there. Qin Wuyang also looked tense and solemn, as if something had happened.

The three were none other than Young Marquis Lü Chengyu, Zhuge Danqing of the Zhuge family, and Huo Polu of the Marquis of Champion's Mansion.

Upon seeing Li Muyun arrive, Lü Chengyu's gaze turned icy and menacing as he stared intently at him, his killing intent palpable.

Li Muyun merely gave the three of them a cold look before stepping in front of them.

"Now that all four of you are here, let's begin the final competition of the Autumn Examination," Qin Wuyang announced somewhat urgently.

Li Muyun frowned and asked, "Lord Qin, shouldn't this competition only involve the four of us? Where are the others?"

Qin Wuyang had to patiently explain, "The others who advanced with you have already competed against the successors of the four great marquises in the past few days, and those who failed automatically withdrew; assassins appeared in the capital, and Marquis Li Tian'ao, as the Imperial Guard General, had other missions and withdrew from this autumn examination. So, now there are only four left."

"assassin?"

The words "Yangshen Palace" suddenly popped into Li Muyun's mind. Could it really be those guys?

Qin Wuyang said in a deep voice, "Alright, those things are not your concern. The final competition will be a challenge format. Li Muyun is an unseeded player, and as the first challenger, you can challenge any of the other three. If you win, you continue to challenge; if you lose, the rankings will be determined."

If Li Muyun loses, the remaining three seeded players will draw lots to determine who will be the first challenger, and then challenge the rest of the players to determine the final rankings.

"You little bastard, I know what you're after this time. You just want to get into the top three to give your whore mother a title. You're dreaming. You lowly bitch, you should accept your fate!"

Before Li Muyun could speak, Lü Chengyu licked his lips and sneered.

Li Muyun looked at Lü Chengyu, his dark eyes like a deep abyss, his voice calm and collected, "Very well, you have successfully angered me. As you wish, I challenge you!"